Army Distinguished Service Medal - Miniature

Army Distinguished Service Medal

Army Distinguished Service Medal Criteria: Exceptionally mer­itorious service to the Uni­ted States Government in a duty of great responsibility.

Devices: All Services: Bronze & Silver Oak Leaf Cluster

Notes: Originally issued with European (unedged) ribbon (“French Cut”)

Authorized
by Congress on July 9, 1918 for exceptionally meritorious service to
the United States while serving in a duty of great responsibility with
the U.S. Army. It was originally intended for qualifying actions during
wartime only, but was later authorized during both wartime or peacetime.
As this country’s highest award for meritorious service or achievement,
it has been awarded to both military and civilians, foreign and
domestic. The first American to receive this medal was General John J.
Pershing, commanding general of the American Expeditionary Forces during
World War I, on October 12, 1918. Individuals who had received the
Certificate of Merit before its disestablishment in 1918 were authorized
to receive the DSM. The Army DSM is seldom awarded to civilians and
personnel below the rank of Brigadier General.

The medal is a circular design containing the U.S. Coat of Arms
encircled by a blue ring with the inscription, “FOR DISTINGUISHED
SERVICE MCMXVII”. Subsequent awards are denoted by the attachment of a
bronze oak leaf cluster to the medal and ribbon. In the center of the
reverse of the medal, amidst several flags and weapons, is a blank
scroll for engraving the awardee's name.

The ribbon has a central wide white stripe edged with blue and an outer red band representing the colors of the U.S. flag. The Army Distinguished Service Medal was designed by Captain Aymar E. Embury III and sculpted by Private Gaetano Cecere.

Customer needs to contact a Military Awards Specialist at 800-308-0849 to purchase the Army Distinguished Service Mini Medal.